Lesson Plan
ADHD Superpowers: Focus & Fun
Introduce first graders with ADHD to fun behavioral strategies that can be used both at home and in class to improve focus and utilize their unique strengths.
This lesson empowers ADHD students by highlighting their superpowers and equips teachers and parents with easy, engaging interventions, fostering a supportive learning environment.
Audience
1st Grade
Time
60 minutes
Approach
Interactive story, discussion, and guided practice.
Prep
Lesson Preparation
10 minutes
- Review the ADHD Superpowers: Focus & Fun Lesson Plan details.
- Familiarize yourself with the Interactive Story: The Super Focusing Hero material.
- Prepare the Behavioral Chart Activity and ensure all necessary supplies are ready.
- Plan for gentle transitions between activity segments.
Step 1
Engage and Introduce
15 minutes
- Begin with a brief discussion on what makes everyone unique and introduce the concept of 'superpowers'.
- Use the Interactive Story: The Super Focusing Hero to capture attention.
- Ask simple questions to engage their thoughts about focus and following simple steps.
Step 2
Guided Practice
20 minutes
- Introduce behavioral interventions using age-appropriate examples (e.g., 'sticky star' charts or simple breathing exercises).
- Demonstrate how these strategies work both in class and at home.
- Encourage students to try a sample focus technique together, reinforcing positive behavior.
Step 3
Interactive Activity
10 minutes
- Utilize the Behavioral Chart Activity where students can mark their achievements and moments of focus.
- Explain the purpose of the chart and celebrate small wins as a class.
Step 4
Wrap-Up and Reflection
15 minutes
- Recap the day's superpower techniques and ask students to share one thing they enjoyed or learned.
- Provide simple strategies for parents to reinforce these skills at home.
- Conclude with a positive note, emphasizing that everyone has unique superpowers to help them focus.
Slide Deck
ADHD Superpowers: Focus & Fun
Welcome Superheroes!
Today, we're going to learn fun ways to use our special powers to help us focus, both at school and at home.
Introduce the lesson by emphasizing that everyone has unique strengths. Highlight the idea of 'superpowers' that can help us focus and do our best. Ask a few warm-up questions like 'What makes you special?' or 'What fun things can you do when you focus?'
Be enthusiastic to set the stage for an exciting session.
The Super Focusing Hero
Let's listen to our interactive story and see how our hero discovers the power of focus!
Show the interactive story segment. Explain that this story is about a hero who learns to harness their unique abilities to focus better. Pause and ask questions to ensure engagement and understanding.
Fun Focus Techniques
Discover simple tips like:
• Using a 'sticky star' chart to celebrate focus moments.
• Taking deep breaths to help calm down and refocus.
Let's try a focus exercise together!
Discuss simple behavioral interventions. Demonstrate the idea using examples like the 'sticky star' chart or a breathing exercise. Encourage the students to participate and try a simple focus technique together. Use visual cues from the slides to reinforce learning.
Interactive Activity & Wrap-Up
Now it's your turn!
- Mark your achievements on our chart.
- Share one superpower move you tried today.
Remember: Everyone has a superpower to help them focus!
Engage the class with an interactive activity using the Behavioral Chart. Invite students to share their moments of focus and celebrate the positive behaviors. Close with encouraging words, reminding the students of their unique superpowers.
Activity
Behavioral Chart Activity for ADHD
Overview
In this activity, students will use a simple chart to track moments when they are focusing well or using a behavioral strategy. The chart will help reinforce positive habits and celebrate small wins. This interactive exercise makes it fun and engaging for first graders by allowing them to visualize their progress in a playful way.
Materials Needed
- A printed or drawn behavioral chart (or use a digital version if available).
- Stickers, stamps, or colored markers for each student.
- A sample chart on the board for demonstration.
Activity Steps
-
Introduction (2 minutes):
- Explain to the students that everyone has a special way to shine when we focus! Introduce the behavioral chart as a tool to help us notice and celebrate these great moments.
- Use simple language: "When we are really concentrating, we can put a sticker on our chart!"
-
Explain the Chart (3 minutes):
- Show the chart and point to different areas. Explain that there will be different spaces for different types of focus, like:
- "Good Listening"
- "Trying My Best"
- "Remembering My Superpower"
- Let students know that every time they do one of these, they get to add a sticker, stamp, or color a box on their chart.
- Show the chart and point to different areas. Explain that there will be different spaces for different types of focus, like:
-
Demonstration (3 minutes):
- Perform a quick demonstration with an example: "Imagine I listened very carefully, so I get a sticker!" Place a sticker on your own chart to show how it works.
-
Participation (10 minutes):
- Give each student their own chart and the supplies needed (stickers, markers, etc.).
- As the lesson continues, ask the students to add to their chart whenever they feel they have done one of the focus moments.
- Remind and encourage them gently, saying something like: "Who would like to add a sticker because they remembered to listen really well?"
-
Sharing and Reflection (2 minutes):
- At the end of the activity, allow a few students to share a moment they are proud of by showing their chart and describing what they did.
- Reinforce that every sticker counts as a superpower moment and that all efforts are worth celebrating.
Tips for Teachers
- Provide lots of positive reinforcement as students add to their charts.
- Be patient and ensure that each achievement, no matter how small, is celebrated.
- Use the activity as a springboard for further discussions on how to maintain focus both at home and in school.
Student Work Area:
Write or draw one focus moment from today on your chart: